Pastor of Outreach & Connections

Bethany is eager to welcome a mission-minded, gospel-focused pastor. This is a leader who thinks creatively and is open to new ways of reaching people with the gospel of Jesus. The right candidate will lovingly push the congregation to take action and move toward those who are far from God. At the same time, this is also a pastor of connections. Bethany desires to add to the team a leader who sees people and their unique gifts and abilities. They will bring experience developing processes and systems that develop and equip congregants for ministry. As a person who is energized by relationships, this pastor will make connections easily and take joy in giving ministry away. This person will work collaboratively with other pastors and leaders, but also take joy in developing and discipling those they have the opportunity to lead.

The ideal candidate for the pastor of outreach and connections role at Bethany Church must be a spiritually-mature, mission-driven leader who demonstrates Christ-like character and a deep love for people. This individual should model a consistent walk with God, marked by the Fruit of the Spirit, personal integrity and a genuine desire to shepherd and mobilize others. A humble confidence paired with transparency and the ability to listen well is critical, as is a strong sense of calling to equip others for ministry. The candidate must be passionate about the gospel and able to keep primary theological issues at the forefront, not allowing secondary issues to dominate or distract.

The next pastor of outreach and connection at Bethany will exude a genuine love for all kinds and types of people. The successful candidate will be someone who fosters collaboration and builds trust through empathy, active listening and clear interpersonal communication. They must be able to read the emotional and relational atmosphere within groups, initiate healthy conversations and contribute meaningfully to a team dynamic marked by mutual support and shared goals. Relational maturity will be crucial, not only in working with staff but also in helping new and existing members feel known, connected and empowered.

Strategic thinking and follow-through are also essential behavioral strengths for this position. The ideal candidate must be able to take ownership of ministry challenges, implement sustainable systems for assimilation and volunteer development and drive execution with reliability and accountability. The capacity to design and refine pathways that move people from visitors to active participants is particularly important in a church experiencing rapid growth and evolving needs. This leader must be self-motivated, organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities independently while staying aligned with the broader mission of the church.

The right leader for this role will seek to multiply their efforts by equipping and launching others in service and ministry. This involves more than simply recruiting volunteers—it requires the discernment to identify spiritual gifts, invest in people's development, and empower them to serve with confidence and joy. The candidate must be a multiplier who inspires others to lead and builds teams that are equipped and energized. Their leadership should invite broader ownership of ministry across the congregation, creating a culture where everyone understands their role in advancing the gospel.

Finally, the ideal candidate must possess a heart for both the local and global community, modeling what it means to be salt and light beyond the church walls. This involves cultivating strategic partnerships with local organizations, engaging underserved populations in La Crosse and supporting Bethany’s ongoing commitment to missions. A love for people should be evident in every interaction, whether through proactive hospitality, thoughtful follow-up or simply creating space for meaningful relationships to flourish. In all things, this leader will help the church embody a Christ-centered, outward-facing faith that welcomes the stranger, serves the vulnerable and connects people to a transforming community of faith.

A theological master’s degree is preferred but not required. Undergraduate degree required, and if not possessing a theological master’s degree, an undergraduate degree in ministry is preferred. If not ordained in the EFCA, be open to pursuing ordination upon arrival. Spiritually and relationally mature. Possess high emotional intelligence. Be a spiritual leader who focuses on the primary points of theology and allow secondary issues to stay secondary. Strong communication skills are critical and experience in preaching will be an asset. This will be a pastor who brings a minimum of seven years ministry experience in one or more roles including: first impressions, hospitality, assimilation, outreach and/or missions.